Notary Services at Bank of America Review: Everything You Need to Know

If you are looking for a convenient and free notarization service, you may consider Bank of America offering notarization services to its clients.

The process of getting notary services from a bank is a common one. Let’s review the notary services on offer at the Bank of America.

What is Document Notarization?

In simple words, notarization is the process of authenticating signatures on a document. Also, it is an assurance that the signer acted without duress and fully understood the context of the legal document signed.

Therefore, a signer and witnesses (if any) should be present in person before a notary public to testify their good faith and sign the document.

A notary public is an authorized and qualified person who acts as a third-party verified appointed by state laws. In many cases, the notarization of a document is a legal requirement for the user.

Types of Notary Services – The Notarial Act

The notarial act defines the uses or types of notary services. There are three common uses of notarization services in most states.

Certified Copy

A notary public notarizes copies of a legal document by verifying the genuineness of the document. It means to show that the copy is the same and trusted as the original document.

Acknowledgment

It is the process of verifying the signatures on a document are genuine and authentic. Also, the signer signed the document without any duress.

Jurat

A singer must sign the document in the presence of a notary public even if the document was already signed earlier.

A notary public will also ask you to swear or affirm the truth of the content of the documents.

Notary Services at Bank of America

Like many other banks, the Bank of America also offers notarization services to its clients. You must be a Bank of America client to get these services, though.

Although you cannot get online notary services, it is a convenient and simple process to visit one of the designated financial centers from the bank.

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Bank of America notary public services comply with state laws and provide professional attestation services for its clients. You can book an appointment to save time and enjoy further convenience.

What Can Documents be Notarized from Bank of America?

There are different types of legal documents that can be notarized. Most of these legal documents require assurance regarding the authenticity of the signatures by the document holder, though.

Some common examples include:

  • Wills, Trusts, Deeds
  • Advance directive forms
  • Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility form)
  • Marriage Certificates
  • Power of Attorney documents
  • Contracts
  • Affidavits

In some cases, a financial center of the bank may not offer a notarization service for all types of legal documents. You may check with the nearest Bank of America branch or call for help before visiting.

A notary public from the Bank of America may also be unable to notarize a legal document under certain circumstances.

For instance:

  • The legal document has missing pages, or the applicant brought only the page where a stamp is required.
  • Cosigners are not present at the same time.
  • The signer(s) did not bring a valid photo ID.
  • The notarial act (the type of notarization required) is not clear.
  • The notary public considers the document forged or unauthentic.
  • The notary public considers the document or any part of it may be changed after notarization.
  • The notary considers the signer does not fully understand a legal document, signing consequences, or cannot communicate clearly with the notary.

What Do You Need to Get Notarization at Bank of America?

You do not need to bring any other documents or fulfill many requirements if you are a Bank of America client.

Consider these important points before visiting the Bank of America branch:

  • Keep a valid photo ID with you.
  • Do not sign the document before reaching the notary public’s office.
  • Sign all document pages when asked and in the notary’s presence.
  • If there are cosigners, both signers must be present at the same time.
  • Bring witnesses with you if the legal document requirements suggest so.
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Make sure to follow the instructions of the notary and that the document you bring is in good condition for the review of the notary.

How to Get Notary Services from Bank of America?

The notary services from Bank of America are available to its clients only. Also, not all of its branches offer this service.

So, all you have to do is confirm from the bank customer care services that the nearest branch offers notarization. Then, bring the original document and a valid photo ID to start the process.

Once the notary reviews your document, it will take around half an hour to notarize the document at a Bank of America branch.

How to Schedule an Appointment Bank of America?

A convenient way to get notarization services from Bank of America is to schedule an appointment. Follow these simple steps for an appointment.

  • Visit the official Bank of America page for notary services first.
  • Locate the “Book an Appointment” link on the bottom-left of the page.
  • Enter the ZIP code of your area to find the nearest financial center offering notary services.
  • Choose the nearest Bank of America financial center offering notarization services.
  • Select the date and time for an appointment from the available slots.
  • Fill in other information and submit the form.

Once confirmed, you’ll be notified of a scheduled appointment via email or registered mobile number.

What is the Cost of Document Notarization at the Bank of America?   

The Bank of America does not charge a fee for its notarization services from its clients. Although you must be an account holder of the bank to obtain this service.

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Can You Notarize Documents Online from Bank of America?

No, currently, there is no option to notarize documents online from the Bank of America. Your only option is to visit a Bank of America branch offering notary services near you.

You may consider an online notary service as an alternative (mentioned below).

Pros and Cons of Using Bank of America for Notarization

Let’s briefly discuss the pros and cons of using Bank of America Notarization services.

Pros Explained:

  • The notary service on offer by the bank is free of cost for its clients.
  • The process from booking an appointment to notarization is convenient.
  • You get the notary services from a legal and credible source at no cost and within half an hour after reaching the center.
  • You can notarize most types of legal documents from the Bank of America.

Cons Explained:

  • You must be an account holder of Bank of America to get these services.
  • There is no online notarization service on offer.
  • The notary services are not offered at all branches of the Bank of America.
  • Both cosigners or witnesses may not be present at the same financial center of the Bank of America as it offers notary services at limited locations.

Alternatives to Bank of America for Notary Services

There are quite a few alternatives available if the Bank of America notary services are not suitable for you.

  • Insurance agents, real estate agents, and other banks.
  • UPS Stores, FedEx Office (online)
  • Public libraries.
  • Courthouses, Law Office.
  • Hotels
  • Police department
  • Some money transfer agent locations.
  • Other online notary services like 123notary, notarize, OneNotary, etc.